6 Ways to Protect Color-Treated Hair When You Go Swimming

Because of hot and humid weather in summer, only thing we need to do on a lazy weekend is lying out by the pool. But the big problem for women is chlorine, it can suck moisture from your hair, leaving it dry, tangled, and brittle. Then there are the less obvious issues we often tend to overlook that can wreak havoc on color-treated hair—like UV rays from the sun that can break down hair color molecules. But here, we have 6 ways to protect your hair from chlorine.

Oil Up

No, not that brown bottle of SPF 4 you used to use before wising up to the dangers of frying in the sun. We’re talking everyone’s favorite multiuse product: coconut oil. “Try coating your hair in coconut oil or olive oil before jumping in the pool,” celebrity colorist Lorri Goddard told us. “It creates a slippery barrier between your strands and harmful chlorine.”

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Go for a Presoak

“Head over to one of those rinse-off stations, and wet your hair with clean water before you get in the pool,” says Goddard. “This trick lets your hair absorb less chlorine or salt water if you’re dipping in the ocean. Then give it another rinse after you’re done swimming.” At the local pool or a friend’s house and don’t want to run all the way to the shower? No sweat. A bottle of purified water works just fine.

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Use Sunscreen for Your Hair

Like your skin needs protection from the sun, your hair does too. “Look for hair products that contain UVA and UVB filters to protect it from the chlorine and the sun,” says Schwarzkopf Professional BlondMe ambassador Kim Vo. We love Sun Bum 3 in 1 Leave In Treatment. It fends off harsh rays and chemical damage, all while helping to repair split ends and frizz. Also, the smell. It’s like the beach in a bottle.

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Put Your Hair Up

The way you wear your hair to the pool or the beach can have a surprisingly big effect on maintaining it. “Try to keep your head and hair out of the water as much as possible,” says Vo. “A cute bun, topknot, or braid prevents your strands from soaking in the pool water while you float around and wade.” Need some inspo? We’ve got plenty.

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Shampoo Right Away

You’re warm, you’re tired, you just want to be done for the day when pool/beach time comes to an end. We get it. But resist the urge to go straight from the water to whatever your plans are next. Colorists recommend taking the time to wash any chemicals or drying sea salt from your hair. “Different colors require specific shampoos and conditions for the right protection,” says colorist Lucille Javier from Sally Hershberger Downtown.

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Don’t Forget a Deep Conditioner

After sudsing up, hydrate your hair with a mask. “Add a couple of drops of Shu Uemura Essence Absolue on dry ends to protect from the sun and extra damage,” says Javier.

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So, don’t let the weekend activities damage your color-treated hair. Starting to take care your hair with these 6 tips from us. Protect your color-treated hair, and it will lasting as long as you want.